Titans are on track to break unbelievable franchise streak
The Tennessee Titans' have never lacked experience at wide receiver more than they do right now and Tennessee's roster, in it's current state, would break a long-time franchise streak. Nick Westbrook-Ikhine's career-high in single-season receiving yards is 476. That number, from the 2021 season, is the highest on the team. There has never been a […]
The Tennessee Titans' have never lacked experience at wide receiver more than they do right now and Tennessee's roster, in it's current state, would break a long-time franchise streak.
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine's career-high in single-season receiving yards is 476. That number, from the 2021 season, is the highest on the team.
There has never been a season, it Titans or Oilers history, in which the team started the year without a receiver who has previously exceeded 500 yards receiving. But unless the Titans make a late free agent signing or trade, that's exactly what they'll be doing in 2023.
52 NFL players have 1,000 receiving yard seasons in their career are currently on a roster. Tennessee is one of two NFL teams (Green Bay) that does not have one of those players.
They are not only the most inexperienced wide receiver corps in the league, but possibly the franchise's most inexperienced group since Bud Adams founded the Oilers back in 1960.
This is not to say Tennessee does not have talented pass catchers on their roster. Treylon Burks and Chig Okonkwo are both going to be incredibly productive players in the Titans' offense and household names by the end of the 2023 season.
I expect both Burks and Okonkwo to exceed the 500 yard mark this year, but it is worth noting that Tennessee does not have a receiver, tight end, or running back with a "productive" NFL season under their belt.
Experienced players are important, especially to the development of younger guys still finding their footing in the NFL. Whether it's a trade for DeAndre Hopkins or signing a veteran to a one-year deal, the Titans need to find a veteran presence they can add to their wide receiver room.
One or two rookies in the upcoming draft can add some speed and playmaking ability to the group. But in order for Titans fans to feel good about their weapons next season, Tennessee needs to add someone who has done it before. It's time to invest in the position and take a risk.
For instance, if Tennessee had Burks, Hopkins, and Okonkwo complimented by Kyle Philips and a couple 2023 draft picks, the Titans would be in business. But if they continue to sit on their hands and bank on unproven talent, their offense will remain a question mark in the final season of Ryan Tannehill and Derrick Henry's contracts.
